Monday, December 7

Advent: The Mystery of Joy
Matthew 2:1b-2

Kendy Easley, Executive Pastor, kendye@churchbcc.org

• Joy of Discovery
• Joy of Asking Questions
• Joy of Coming Home

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Discussion Questions
Before questions, attempt to give the group a bit of a summary of the main points of the sermon and then choose a few questions that fit your group’s needs and style. We don’t intend for you to use all of these. Three to five questions may be a good number.

• When was the last time you spent some time star gazing? (Option: Offer this as pre-meeting homework and have folks share how it went as your opening to group time!)
• Watch the Advent Week 2 Video – Mystery of Joy (4 mins)
• Can you recall a moment as a child when you joyously discovered something new? Can you recall a moment as an adult where you experienced joyful discovery?
• Take a 5 minute break, and if possible, have the group members take a prayer walk outside asking this question: “God, what you trying to show us through the natural world?” (Option: Stay indoors but take a few moments for silent prayer asking the same question.)
• Through this and past experience, what do you think God is trying to show you through the natural world?
• What does respect for what is happening in the natural order look like?
• Understanding that joy is not circumstantial, how do you receive versus achieve joy?
• What steps can you take to move from a place of observation to active participation in pursuing the knowledge of who God is?
• Pastor Kendy gives examples of God’s whispers through seeing an eagle while walking and receiving a card speaking of joy this past week; when have you heard whispers of God?
• Have you ever found yourself on a journey you’d rather not be on?
• How was/is God speaking to you in this journey?
• There is no shame in feeling silence, despair or loneliness on this journey- how might your fellow group members support you, in prayer or practical needs?
• The Magi provide an example of TS Eliot’s “still point of the turning world” as they fall on their knees. What has the joy of coming home, the falling on ones knees looked like in your own life?